Madhya Pradesh reports over 31,000 women have been missing, and 28 girls go missing daily, highlighting safety and security concerns. The issue calls for effective policies to address factors contributing to the high number of missing women and girls. The statistics were disclosed in the state assembly following an inquiry by Congress MLA and former Home Minister Bala Bachchan.
Between 2021 and 2024, 28,857 women and 2,944 girls were reported missing in Madhya Pradesh, with an average of 28 women and three children missing daily. Despite 724 official registrations, 676 women in Ujjain and 245 girls were missing in Sagar district and 2,384 in Indore. Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of missing children and women and girls in India, with nearly 2 lakh missing between 2019 and 2021, according to the data revealed by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).
Human trafficking, domestic issues, migration for work, and criminal activities are major concerns for women and girls in Madhya Pradesh. Government response includes strengthening law enforcement, implementing surveillance and community awareness programs, and addressing root causes through comprehensive policy frameworks. Social and economic empowerment programs, collaboration with non-governmental organizations, and public awareness campaigns are also need of the hour.
